The Key to Effective Intercession

Do you really desire answers to your prayers? Do you know the key for moving the heart of God? Keep Reading...

READ
Exodus 33:17 - And the Lord said to Moses, "I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name."

REFLECT
God refuses to be a giant candy machine in the sky for you. When you get hungry (or need an answer to a prayer), you put some money in (a prayer) and out pops your candy (your answer). God does not want to be treated that way. But, what is your relationship with him like?

When you get desperate for an answer, the prayer sessions get longer and more fervent. But is that always fruitful? What is the key for effective intercession?

Moses had the key. More importantly, he lived it. He actually swayed the heart of God with his intercession. Moses got what he asked for. How?

The Lord said that he would do what Moses asked for two reasons. First, he was pleased with Moses. A holy life, a determination to know AND walk in the ways of God, is a prerequisite to effective intercession. Knowing God's truth is not enough. It is loving obedience that unlocks the heart of God.

The Lord also said that he would grant Moses' request, because he "knew Moses by name." God and Moses were on a first name basis. What a relationship of love they had! "The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as a man speaks with his friend." Exodus 33:11 When you are determined to seek the Lord himself first, rather than gifts from his hand, that is when the heart of God gets moved... i.e. effective intercession.

The trust between God and man built by a growing love relationship brings real authority in intercession. He will entrust you with his burdens. You will entrust him with your requests.

Jesus says, "You are my friends if you do what I command. I no longer call you servants, because a servant does not know his master's business. Instead, I have called you friends, for everything that I learned from my Father I have made known to you. You did not choose me, but I chose you and appointed you to go and bear fruit - fruit that will last. Then the Father will give you whatever you ask in my name." John 15:14-16

RESPOND
A life of effective intercession is like building a bonfire. A fire doesn't get started by snapping your fingers. It must be nurtured and tended. How will you tend your love relationship with the Lord today? Stoke the fire, breath oxygen on it. As the fire gets going, you will find yourself walking in greater levels of spiritual authority in intercession.